Class XI Computer Science Chapter 1 MCQs (Difficulty-wise) — Answers & Explanations
This page helps you practise Chapter 1 in the easiest order: basics first, then system software, then CPU/memory + architecture details. Each section has short explanations so you can revise quickly.
Easy (Definitions)
1) Which of these is application software?
A. Operating system
B. Device driver
C. Word processor
D. System utility
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Word processor is an end-user application.
2) Which is non-volatile memory?
A. RAM
B. ROM
C. Cache
D. Registers
Correct Answer: B
3) Which is an input device?
A. Printer
B. Speaker
C. Scanner
D. Monitor
Correct Answer: C
4) CPU stands for
A. Central Processing Unit
B. Computer Process Unit
C. Central Program Utility
D. Control Processing Unit
Correct Answer: A
5) Which one is a unit of storage?
A. Hz
B. Byte
C. Newton
D. Ampere
Correct Answer: B
6) A GUI mainly uses
A. typed commands
B. icons, windows, menus
C. punch cards
D. assembly instructions only
Correct Answer: B
Revision Tip: In MCQs, “system software” = OS + drivers + utilities + translators (compiler/interpreter).
Medium (Concept Checks)
7) Which bus carries control signals?
A. Address bus
B. Data bus
C. Control bus
D. PCI bus
Correct Answer: C
8) Cache memory is used mainly to
A. store data permanently
B. speed up CPU access to frequently used data
C. replace secondary storage
D. increase screen resolution
Correct Answer: B
9) Which statement is correct?
A. Secondary storage is volatile
B. RAM is non-volatile
C. Secondary storage is non-volatile
D. Cache stores data permanently
Correct Answer: C
10) A compiler differs from an interpreter because a compiler
A. executes line by line
B. translates the whole program before execution
C. is always part of hardware
D. cannot detect errors
Correct Answer: B
11) The role of an operating system is best described as
A. managing hardware and software resources
B. printing documents
C. writing source code
D. converting photos to PDF
Correct Answer: A
12) A debugger is used to
A. compile programs
B. locate and fix bugs in programs
C. store files on disk
D. increase clock speed
Correct Answer: B
Hard (Trickier MCQs)
13) Word size in a processor primarily affects
A. how many bits CPU can process at once
B. the monitor size
C. the printer type
D. keyboard layout
Correct Answer: A
14) Which memory is closest to CPU and fastest in access?
A. Hard disk
B. Cache
C. DVD
D. Pen drive
Correct Answer: B
15) Which statement about application software is correct?
A. It is essential for basic booting of a computer
B. It is used to solve user-specific tasks
C. It is always written in machine language
D. It manages hardware resources directly
Correct Answer: B
16) FOSS usually means
A. software with source code available for study/modification
B. software that cannot be copied
C. software that never updates
D. software that runs only offline
Correct Answer: A
17) In a computer system, ALU is responsible for
A. controlling the input devices only
B. arithmetic and logical operations
C. permanent storage
D. printing
Correct Answer: B
18) Which is an example of a utility program?
A. Disk cleanup / antivirus
B. Spreadsheet
C. Photo editor
D. Video player
Correct Answer: A